Introducing brickwork skills — City & Guilds Limited Other Vocational Qualification Employability & Work Skills Revision

    This subtopic introduces foundational bricklaying techniques, focusing on the correct selection and use of tools and materials, the process of laying brick

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic introduces foundational bricklaying techniques, focusing on the correct selection and use of tools and materials, the process of laying bricks and blocks to a basic line, and the finishing of mortar joints. It emphasizes safe working practices and the importance of site tidiness and waste management, equipping learners with essential competencies for entry-level construction roles.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Introducing brickwork skills

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    This subtopic introduces foundational bricklaying techniques, focusing on the correct selection and use of tools and materials, the process of laying bricks and blocks to a basic line, and the finishing of mortar joints. It emphasizes safe working practices and the importance of site tidiness and waste management, equipping learners with essential competencies for entry-level construction roles.

    4
    Learning Outcomes
    15
    Assessment Guidance
    16
    Key Skills
    4
    Key Terms
    17
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Entry Level Introductory Award in Employability Skills (Entry 3)
    City & Guilds Entry Level Award in Employability Skills (Entry 3)
    City & Guilds Entry Level Extended Award in Employability Skills (Entry 2)
    City & Guilds Entry Level Certificate in Employability Skills (Entry 2)

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Entry Level Introductory Award in Employability Skills (Entry 3) is designed to help you develop the essential skills needed to succeed in the workplace. This qualification covers key areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-management. By completing this award, you will build a strong foundation for further study or employment, making you more confident and prepared for the world of work.

    This qualification is part of the Employability & Work Skills suite and is ideal for students who are new to vocational learning or who need to develop basic employability skills. It focuses on practical, real-world applications, such as understanding workplace expectations, working with others, and managing your own learning. The skills you gain are transferable across different jobs and industries, making this award a valuable stepping stone in your career journey.

    Throughout the course, you will engage in activities that simulate workplace scenarios, helping you to apply what you learn in a safe environment. You will also have opportunities to reflect on your own strengths and areas for improvement, which is crucial for personal development. This qualification is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, meaning you will collect examples of your work to demonstrate your skills. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what employers look for and how to meet those expectations.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Communication: Understanding how to listen, speak, and write effectively in a work context, including using appropriate language and body language.
    • →Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others, sharing ideas, and respecting different roles within a team to achieve common goals.
    • →Problem-solving: Identifying problems, thinking of possible solutions, and choosing the best course of action with support.
    • →Self-management: Organising your time, setting personal targets, and taking responsibility for your own learning and behaviour.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.
    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.
    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.
    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for correctly identifying and selecting appropriate resources (e.g., trowel, spirit level, line and pins, bricks, mortar mix) with minimal prompting.
    • Evidence of laying bricks to a straight line with consistent mortar bed thickness and correct bond (e.g., stretcher bond) at a basic level.
    • Demonstrated ability to finish joints neatly using appropriate jointing tools, achieving weather-tight and visually acceptable finish.
    • Thorough clean-up of work area, including proper disposal of waste mortar and safe storage of tools.
    • Award credit for accurately listing and selecting the correct resources (e.g., trowel, spirit level, hawk, mortar board, bricks, blocks, mortar) before commencing work.
    • Credit should be given for demonstrating the ability to mix mortar to a workable consistency and apply it evenly when buttering bricks or blocks.
    • Assessors should look for evidence of correct jointing technique, such as using a jointing tool to produce a consistent, specified finish (e.g., flush or weathered) without smearing mortar onto the face.
    • Marks are awarded for laying bricks and blocks to a line, ensuring each unit is level, plumb, and at the correct gauge, with appropriate adjustments made using a level.
    • Credit must be given for thorough clean-up: washing tools and equipment, brushing down brickwork to remove mortar snots, and leaving the work area tidy and free of debris.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying and selecting the appropriate resources (e.g., bricks, blocks, mortar, trowel, spirit level, jointing tool) as outlined in the task specification.
    • Evidence of competent bricklaying by demonstrating the ability to lay bricks and blocks in a level, straight line, with uniform mortar joints of the correct thickness.
    • Ensure credit is given for performing an appropriate joint finish (e.g., flush, struck, or weather-struck joint) that is consistent, neat, and free from smears.
    • Acknowledge thorough clean-up procedures, including washing tools, disposing of waste correctly, and leaving the work area clean, tidy, and safe for others.
    • Award credit for correctly naming and selecting essential resources: bricks, blocks, mortar, trowel, spirit level, line and pins, jointing tool.
    • Award credit for demonstrating safe and accurate brick/block placement to a gauge, maintaining level, plumb, and consistent bond.
    • Award credit for producing smooth, recessed, or flush mortar joints with appropriate jointing tool, removing excess mortar cleanly.
    • Award credit for clearing the work area, cleaning tools, disposing of waste correctly, and stacking unused materials neatly.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡For practical assessments, practice keeping your trowel clean and mortar workable to avoid dry or unworkable mix.
    • 💡Always double-check face alignment and gauge rod measurements before starting a new course.
    • 💡In written or oral questioning on resources, be prepared to explain the function of each tool and why specific bricks/blocks are chosen for the job.
    • 💡Before starting any practical task, carefully check that all required tools and materials are present and in good condition; this demonstrates professional preparedness.
    • 💡Always use a line and line pins for straight courses, and check with a spirit level after every two or three bricks to catch errors early.
    • 💡When jointing, let the mortar set slightly until thumbprint hard before tooling; this prevents dragging and ensures a crisp, durable finish.
    • 💡Clean as you go: remove mortar droppings from the wall face and cavity trays immediately, and keep tools clean throughout the task to save time at the end.
    • 💡In an assessment scenario, if you make a mistake, don’t panic—demonstrate how you would correct it (e.g., tapping a brick into alignment) to show problem-solving skills.
    • 💡Always double-check that you have all required resources before starting, and keep them organised and within reach to work efficiently.
    • 💡Practice maintaining a consistent trowel angle and pressure when spreading mortar to achieve uniform bed joints, as assessors look for even thickness.
    • 💡During jointing, aim to complete each joint in one smooth, continuous motion to avoid multiple tool marks, and clean any excess immediately.
    • 💡Plan your clean-up as part of the task; assign time for washing tools with water before mortar hardens, and demonstrate awareness of safe waste disposal.
    • 💡In practical assessments, verbalise each step as you perform it to demonstrate understanding of the process.
    • 💡Use a storyboard or photo diary to evidence your ability to follow the complete sequence from preparation to clean-up.
    • 💡Always wear appropriate PPE (gloves, safety boots, goggles) and mention why it’s important for the task.
    • 💡Use specific examples from your experiences, such as group projects or work placements, to support your portfolio evidence. This shows you can apply skills in real situations.
    • 💡Reflect on your progress regularly. Keep a diary or log of what you have learned, what went well, and what you could improve. This helps you demonstrate self-management and personal development.
    • 💡Read each task carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked. If you are unsure, ask your tutor for clarification. Meeting the assessment criteria exactly is key to achieving the award.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Misjudging mortar consistency, leading to weak or slumping joints.
    • Forgetting to use a spirit level frequently, resulting in uneven courses and leaning walls.
    • Poor clean-up, leaving mortar stains on brick faces or failing to store tools correctly.
    • Confusing different joint profiles (e.g., flush, struck, bucket handle) and applying them incorrectly or inconsistently.
    • Using mortar that is too dry or too wet, which compromises the strength of the bond and makes laying difficult.
    • Failing to check for level and plumb at each stage, leading to a wall that leans or has uneven courses.
    • Neglecting to clean mortar off brick faces immediately, resulting in permanent staining and a poor finished appearance.
    • Rushing the clean-up process, which can damage tools (e.g., leaving mortar to harden on trowels) and create slip hazards from spilled materials.
    • Confusing tools for bricklaying with those for blocklaying, such as using a brick trowel for blocks when a larger block trowel is more suitable.
    • Producing inconsistent mortar mixes, leading to weak or overly stiff mortar that affects bond strength and workability.
    • Neglecting to use a spirit level regularly during laying, resulting in uneven courses and out-of-plumb walls.
    • Leaving mortar smears on the brick face when jointing, or failing to protect the work, making cleaning more difficult later.
    • Confusing different types of mortar mixes and their suitability for bricks versus blocks.
    • Failing to check level and plumb regularly, leading to uneven or leaning brickwork.
    • Leaving mortar smears on the brick face or forgetting to point joints before mortar sets.
    • Neglecting to clean tools promptly, causing hardened mortar build-up and tool damage.
    • Misconception: Employability skills are only about getting a job. Correction: While these skills help you get a job, they are also essential for keeping a job and progressing in your career. They include attitudes and behaviours that make you a reliable and effective employee.
    • Misconception: Teamwork means everyone does the same thing. Correction: Effective teamwork involves different people using their strengths to contribute in different ways. It's about cooperation, not uniformity.
    • Misconception: Problem-solving is only for big issues. Correction: Problem-solving applies to everyday challenges, like deciding how to prioritise tasks or resolving a minor disagreement with a colleague. Small problems can be practice for bigger ones.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic literacy and numeracy skills at Entry 2 or equivalent, as you will need to read instructions and complete simple written tasks.
    • •Some experience of working with others, such as in group activities at school or in a community setting, is helpful but not essential.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.
    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.
    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.
    • know the resources required to lay bricks and blocks., be able to joint brick and block work., be able to lay bricks and blocks., be able to clean up on completion.

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